Opera presented by Stetson

The arts in Lake

October 15, 2013|By Debbie Manis

Claudio Monteverdi's masterpiece "The Return of Ulysses to His Homeland" (Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria), which dates from the dawn of opera in the early Italian Baroque, will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Mount Dora Community Building, 520 N. Baker St.

Based on Homer's "Odyssey," the opera is a tragedy in one prologue and three acts with a happy ending.

The opera is largely about the effect Ulysses' 20 years absence has on his faithful wife Penelope. Returning from the Trojan wars to his homeland of Ithaca, he dons a disguise to infiltrate the royal court. Eventually he slays the suitors who are vying for Penelope's hand. She finally recognizes him, and they are reunited.

The production will be performed by the Stetson University's Opera Theatre under the direction of Russell Franks. Anthony Hose will conduct the Stetson University's Symphony Orchestra during the performance.

Tickets are $15 and available online at mountdoraevents.com or at the door.

Cariani's 2006 play consists of nine vignettes about the residents of Almost, an unsophisticated community. The play is a comedic look at life and love in a small, mythical town in far northern Maine during midwinter. As the aurora borealis hovers in the sky, Almost's residents find themselves falling in and out of love.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and Oct. 23 through 26, and 2 p.m. Sunday and Oct. 27.

Tickets are $22 for adults and $10 for full-time students (student identification required for college students). Reservations: 352-236-2274 or visit ocalacivictheatre.com.

Talk and book signing

U.S. maritime author and lecturer Robert Macomber will have a book signing at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at Barrel of Books and Games, 128 W. Fourth Ave., Mount Dora.

Macomber is the author of the acclaimed Honor Series of naval novels. He is well known for detailed research, even going to the point of making the voyages, visiting the lands and meeting people he writes about in his books.

He will talk about his Honor Series including his latest book "Honors Rendered," the 11th book in the 22 series, featuring Navy officer Peter Wake.